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We start with the alphabet...
We start with the alphabet...
Like any other language, we start with the bases: the alphabet. A lot of communication in the shipping business is done via the VHS-radio. Often, people are asked to spell the words they broadcast to avoid misunderstanding. To make the individual letters easier to understand they are put into fixed words. The use of the radio alphabet or phonetic alphabet is mandatory when communicating at sea.
If you understand that complete word, then you know what letter is meant in the message. This way, even when the radio-signal is very poor, the message can be understood clearly.
How does this phonetic alphabet work?
How does this phonetic alphabet work?
Everybody who is working in the maritime sector should know this alphabet exactly as it is presented in the above diagram. If you are asked to spell a word, you should only use these words to represent the letters. Any other word will cause confusion and misunderstanding. It is very important that you learn this alphabet by heart.
When you have carefully studied this alphabet, we are going to do a little excercise to find out if you studied enough...
Meanwhile, have a look at the following clip about the phonetic alphabet, also known as the NATO alphabet.
How to pronounce numbers?
How to pronounce numbers?
Numbers must also be clearly audible when they are broadcasted. Even if the reception of the message is very poor. That is why the pronunciation of these numbers must be done in a exaggerated, almost childish, way. Even when you are able to pronounce these numbers and digits in perfect English, you should use this special way of pronouncing them.
Excercises
Excercises
Sit down in pairs and make sure you have a pencil and a piece of paper:
Excercise 1 : Where were you born?
Excercise 1 : Where were you born?
Sit down in pairs and ask your neighbor where he or she was born. Your neighbour will answer the question using the official NATO alphabet. He or she will spell the place of birth and you will note down those letters. Check if the answer is correct! Now take turns.
Excersise 2: What is your mother’s first name?
Excersise 2: What is your mother’s first name?
Sit down in pairs and ask your neighbor what his or her mother’s first name is. Your neighbour will answer the question using the official NATO radio alphabet. He or she will spell the name and you will note down those letters. Check if the answer is correct! Now take turns.
Excercise 3: When were you born?
Excercise 3: When were you born?
Sit down in pairs and ask your neighbor when he or she was born. Your neighbour will answer the question using the official way numbers should be pronounced in radio communication. He or she will call out the numbers of the date of birth. Note down the numbers to see the date of birth of your neighbour. Check if the answer is correct! Now take turns.
Excercise 4: What is your postal code?
Excercise 4: What is your postal code?
Sit down in pairs and ask your neighbor what his or her postal code is. Your neighbour will answer the question using the official radio communication rules. He or she will call out the letters and numbers. Note down the numbers and letters to see correct postal code of your neighbor. Check if the answer is correct! Now take turns.
Excercise 6: What was your ship’s last port?
Excercise 6: What was your ship’s last port?
Take a card from the deck of shipcards and sit down in pairs and ask your neighbour the name of his or her ship’s last port. Your neighbor will answer the question using the official NATO radio alphabet. He or she will spell the name of the port and you will note down those letters. Check if the answer is correct! Now take turns.
Excercise 7: What type of vessel is your ship?
Excercise 7: What type of vessel is your ship?
Take a card from the deck of shipcards and sit down in pairs and ask your neighbour what type of vessel his or her ship is. Your neighbor will answer the question using the official NATO radio alphabet. He or she will spell the type of ship and you will note down those letters. Check if the answer is correct! Now take turns.
Excercise 8: What is your ship’s IMO number?
Excercise 8: What is your ship’s IMO number?
Take a card from the deck of shipcards then sit down in pairs and ask your neighbour what his or her ship’s IMO number is. Your neighbour will answer the question using the official radio communication rules. He or she will call out the numbers. Note down the numbers and find out the correct IMO number. Check if the answer is correct! Now take turns.
Excercise 9: What is your ship’s call sign?
Excercise 9: What is your ship’s call sign?
Take a card from the deck of shipcards then sit down in pairs and ask your neighbour what his or her ship’s call sign is. Your neighbour will answer the question using the official radio communication rules. He or she will call out the numbers and letters. Note down the given information and find out the correct call sign. Check if the answer is correct! Now take turns.
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